Water, sewer rates raised for cost of living
shirleyNANNEY
Editor
At the Aug. 16 called meeting of the Huntingdon Town Council, council members passed the first of two required readings on ordinances concerning the 2022-2023 budget, the amending of the 2021-2022 budget and adjusting the water and sewer rates to reflect the cost of living change.
The property tax rate of $1.24887 per $100 of assessed valuation for the 2022-2023 year is the same as last year’s rate.
The second and final reading on these ordinances will be at the regular 5:15 p.m. meeting Aug. 23.
The total estimated revenues in the 2022-2023 budget are $5,725,250 with total estimated expenses at $5,880,600 after transferring out $202,000 for the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Special Project. The estimated revenues over expenses of $107,200 was the total after insurance recoveries of $36,200 and Local Government Appropriations of $171,350 from the prior fiscal year were figured in.
Estimated revenues from property taxes in the new budget are $3,264,000.
In expenses, the police department is expected to spend $1,715,990. Several police vehicles and equipment are needed.The street division of the Public Works Department was allotted $1,075,300.
The fire department’s share of the budget’s expenses is an estimated $974,200.
Vice Mayor Nina Smothers, who presided during the absence of Mayor Dale Kelley, discussed the budget.
She said by working together, the council has accomplished many upgrades for the town, including street and sidewalk improvements, additional park facilities and the renovation of existing parks, water and sewer extensions and upgrades, improvements to the downtown and business districts, lowering the ISO rating that reduces the cost of property insurance within the city limits in addition to providing excellent police and fire protection.
“Our goal through Fiscal Year 2023 remains to continue building infrastructure and laying the ground work to secure the needs of future generations,” said Smothers. “Our tax rate of $1.2487 is at the prior year’s rate.”
She pointed out that the town’s most valuable asset is the employees. The budget provides for a 30 cents per hour raise and the continuation of employee benefits including $8,850 per employee for insurance premiums and funding the employee’s health savings account and life insurance coverage for the employee in the amount of $50,000.
Capital purchases include the purchase of a pumper truck for the Fire Department and two tandem dump trucks for the Public Works through a capital outlay note and seventeen vehicles for various departments.
The Utility Fund budget includes several capital projects including the completion of the Emergency Sewer Repair on Gin Street, East Main Street water line replacement and automatic read meters funded through the State Revolving Fund, and installation of a sewer pump station in the 1,000 Acre Lake area.
She mentioned there had been a question about the $32,000 payment that was due on the 1,000 Acre Lake. State Senator John Stevens text David Thurman at the state Comptroller’s Office about the $32,000 due, but if it didn’t arrive in time from the state, Huntingdon would still be liable for the payment.
The debt on the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center is $460,000, but within four years should be debt free.
The costs of lagoon aeration on Barnett St. is estimated at $800,000 with Highway 22 lagoon costs estimated at $1,200,000.
Concerning grants for the town, a possible $1,249,471.59 is listed, according to Smothers who was informed of the amount by Laura Lee from Community Partners. However, $88,947.16 is required in order for Huntingdon to participate. The town must apply for it and it must be used for utilities.
The ordinance amending of the 2021-2022 budget shows the actual figures of the various accounts at the close of the fiscal year June 30.
A third ordinance concerned the rise in costs of water and sewer rates.These costs will start with Sept. billing.
The 5/8” water meter minimum charge within the corporate limits is $14.33, up from $13.91. Each 1,000 gallons is $4.33, up from $4.20.
Outside the city limits the minimum cost for a 5/8” meter is $18.86 with each 1,000 gallons cost set at$6.
On sewer rates, the minimum charge for a 5/8” meter is $14.32, up from $13.90 and for each 1,000 gallons the cost is $6.79.
For outside the city limits the minimum charge is $17.89 with $8.39 for each 1,000 gallons.
